"Biosecurity should be top priority for new Government".

"Biosecurity should be top priority for new Government". A biosecurity incursion can (and has) bring parts of the primary sector to a complete standstill; Psa did this to kiwifruit not too long ago. Today, the Ministry for Primary Industries are managing a number of incursions, including mycoplasma bovis, myrtle rust, pea weevil, and oyster parasite, to name but a few. For those facing incursions, incomes and jobs are being affected and, in many cases, their businesses cannot weather the storm; they go under. The cost of controlling and eradicating these incursions costs farmers, growers, industry, and the Government millions upon millions of dollars. Considering the critical importance of protecting New Zealand from biosecurity incursions, and being ready to quickly and effectively respond to these incursions, has to be one of the new Government’s top priorities.